Independent Woman Homeowner

Women are Gradually Taking over the Workplace

First it was Business Week, and then Newsweek, and now the Economist - articles on the rising financial power of women are showing up everywhere. The January 2nd issue of the Economist notes - "Within the next few months women will cross the 50% threshold and become the majority of the American workforce."

 

The Economist goes on to say that women already make up the majority of univeristy graduates in the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development) countries and the majority of professional workers in several rich countries, incoluding the United States.

Both Newsweek and the Economist note that the rising financial power of women is the biggest social change of our times. The implications of this are just starting to register with many. For us professional REALTORS, the implication should be very clear - the financial seat of power in the home is shifting to women. Savvy REALTORS and other professionals in the real estate industry will be richly rewarded in the coming years for investing thier times, energy and money in support of women homeownership.

There are still two main challenges facing women in the work force:

1. Expanding their presence in the top tier of leadership and management of large companies
2. Juggling work with raising children

Choosing between a career and a family is a tough choice. Women who leave their careers to raise a family and return mostly find it impossible to regain the momentum they once had. In America, childless women earn almost as much as men while mothers earn significantly less. Flexible work hours, telecommuting, company sponsored daycare and better maternity leave are areas where continued improvement is needed.

In America, 3 out of 4 job losses during the recent recession affected men. This lends credibility to the fact women are positioned to become the driving force in the employment market, and because of the flattening of men's incomes due to job loss, the salary divide should shrink. 2010 is our year!!